Melaka: The business licences of two food and beverage (FandB) companies in Melaka will not be revoked, despite the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) for both companies being withdrawn over the alleged use of pig-bristle brushes for cleaning equipment. State Senior Exco for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change, and Disaster Management, Datuk Rais Yasin, confirmed that both companies were not found to have breached any business licence conditions issued by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, any violations of SPHM procedures and requirements have been addressed by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Datuk Rais Yasin stated that MBMB has not received any reports or complaints of business licence violations involving these companies. He expressed regret over the incident and hoped similar issues would not occur at other business premises.
The incident came to light after media reports revealed that the SPHM of two local companies, a coffee and a biscuit manufacturer, was immediately revoked due to the discovery of brushes believed to be made from pig bristles being used to clean equipment.
In other developments, Rais highlighted the vigilance of all four local authorities in the state to ensure tourism sites under their jurisdiction are well-maintained and hygienic, in preparation for the Visit Melaka Year 2.0 campaign. Planned upgrades include improved lighting and facilities to enhance visitor convenience and comfort.
During the Santuni Kasih Aidilfitri gathering, held in conjunction with the 23rd Anniversary of the Melaka Historic City celebration, it was noted that 250 recipients from 12 state constituencies within MBMB's jurisdiction received donations of electrical appliances and daily necessities from Intrinseque Health (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Rais emphasized that this initiative is part of the company's corporate social responsibility efforts, aligning with the state government's Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) programme to improve citizens' welfare through public-private collaboration.